3 Electrical Safety Tips You Need to Know

Electricity is a modern marvel that most people don't really put much thought into -- unless it isn't working properly. You flip a switch, twist a knob or insert a plug into an outlet, and -- presto! -- the room is lit up, your television springs to life or your phone is charging. As wonderful as electricity is, it can also be dangerous. The following safety tips are ones that you should always keep in mind to stay safe from the inherent dangers of electricity.

1. Spring for an inspection

While this tip is especially important for older homes, even newer homes could have faulty equipment inadvertently installed in them that could increase the potential for danger. That being said, if your home is older, chances are that it wasn't built to handle the increased reliance on electricity that is a given these days. An electrical inspection will pinpoint those potentially hazardous areas and advise you on how to address them.

2. Buy a fire extinguisher

If your home catches fires due to an electrical issue, the only safe way to put it out is to use a fire extinguisher that is designed to retard chemical fires. If you attempt to put the fire out with water -- which might be your first instinct -- you will only make things worse. This is because water conducts electricity. Make sure that you keep fire extinguishers on every level of your home. Store them in a place that is easy to reach. Make sure to inspect them regularly and replace them as needed. Stay up to date on how to use it correctly.

3. Get to know your outlets

How many times a day do you plug something like your phone charger into an outlet? What about the number of times you rely on an appliance, like your television or refrigerator, that is plugged into an outlet? If you are like most people, you do so countless times each day. Feeling your outlets can give you important clues to the health of your electrical system. Outlets that are hot -- or even warm -- mean that there is an issue. Perhaps the wiring doesn't meet current codes and it is melting or it could be loose. The electrical load on that particular circuit could be too high.

Need more electrical tips or a qualified professional to perform an electrical inspection? ContactHarrison Electrictoday for more information.